MANHATTAN, Kan. , June 2017 – While National Festival of Breads will have bodacious baking from eight finalists inside Manhattan Conference Center, things will be cooking outside, too. Cooking with a different flavor. The tangy, zesty savor of bar-be-cue.

Yes! National Festival of Breads also has a decidedly meaty flavor!

Grilling season is in fine form once Memorial Day weekend rolls around. As Manhattan hosts National Festival of Breads amateur baking competition June 17, temperatures will also rise in Blue Earth Plaza with “BBQ Like A Pro” events just outside. Events include barbecue demonstrations, live music, food and beer sales and a carnival-like atmosphere to accompany the hearty amateur baking efforts inside.

Barbecue fans can enhance outdoor-grill techniques from national champion Rod Gray of BBQ Pitmasters fame. Gray has a flair for the dramatic around a BBQ grill, and he’ll demonstrate best grilling practices with three animated, not-to-miss demos. Also, spectators can learn the latest supplemental barbecue tools from Manhattan’s own Aaron Nickell with Backyard Kitchen, which furnishes high-quality outdoor kitchen supplies and equipment.

Cox BBQ will be available in Blue Earth Plaza with traditional menu favorites. Tallgrass Brewery products and domestic beers will be among the hearty beverage selections. Music on the plaza will come from southeast Kansas legends The Past Blasters, who feature a trio of members in the Kansas music hall of fame. Events begin Friday, June 16, with complimentary, race-eve pasta dinner for Enrich Your Life 5K runners. Young music sensation Bryton Stoll will provide entertainment that night in Blue Earth Plaza.

All-in-all, a 20-hour extravaganza of events to accompany fifth biennial National Festival of Breads (#NFOB2017) in Manhattan, Kansas.

“The National Festival of Breads is the nation’s only amateur yeast bread-baking competition,” said Cindy Falk, co-chair of the event and nutrition educator for Kansas Wheat Commission. “This contest builds upon a rich tradition of grassroots support and is a way for amateur bakers to be recognized for their baking skills and creativity.”

2017 National Festival of Breads is presented by King Arthur Flour, Red Star Yeast and Kansas Wheat Commission. Additional sponsors include C&H Sugar, Domino Sugar, USA Pans, Hy-Vee Manhattan, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas State Bank and Manhattan area Walmart, Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond stores.